206 Aquae Sextiae (102 BC)

Historical BackgroundFollowing the disaster at Aruasio in 105 BC, Rome elected Marius as Consul to deal with the emergency. He was granted a reprieve as the Teutones and Ambrones decided to invade Spain rather than Italy, and spent the years 104-103 reorganizing the Roman army. Then in 102 BC, the Germanic tribes once again moved toward Rome. They reportedly numbered over 110,000 men, but half that number is a more likely estimate. Marius crossed the Alps with an army of over 40,000 legionnaires and Ligurian auxiliaries and set up camp near the coastal route being followed by the Teutone and Ambrone tribes under their King Teutobodus. Marius allowed the two tribes to pass and then followed them until they came to Aquae Sextiae. He occupied the high ground in view of the enemy, after posting an ambush force under Marcellus. Hostilities began almost immediately. The tribes charged up the hill but the terrain was in the Roman favor and they forced back the barbarians. At this time Marcellus’ ambush force appeared, and charged into the enemy rear. The entire horde broke and fled. Tens of thousands of the barbarians were slain, and many captured, including Teutobodus. Hundreds of the Germanic women committed mass suicide rather than become slaves of Rome.The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.

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War Council

Germanic Tribes• Leader: Teutobodus• 5 Command Cards • Move First

Roman Army• Leader: Marius• 6 Command Cards

Victory6 Banners

Special Rules• Marcellus’ ambush may be ordered by playing a ‘Leadership’ or an ‘Order Light Troops’ Command card. When playing an ‘Inspired Leadership’ card, the force enters in the section noted on the card. When playing a ‘Leadership Any Section’ or ‘Order Light Troops’ card, the force enters in the section of Roman player’s choice. When ordered, set the units on the baseline hex, which counts as one hex of the units move. Marcellus may be placed with any of these units. Should these Roman units have to retreat, they must retreat toward the Roman side of the battlefield.

6-3 Roman victory. The game was decided when Marcellus' ambush force appeared on the Gaul left flank and killed three already damaged units. Fast game. I think the only way for Gauls here to have a chance would be to get to the high ground as fast as possible. Other consideration would be to smash reinforcements since it's green units - but then again a good Roman player won't give you much of a chance for that.